Car Care Conversations

Kids at the Back Seat

It's indeed a manic Monday. On our way to the office, my hubby and I found ourselves stuck in traffic.

Rather than sulk ourselves while sitting in the middle of the city road jungle, we took the opportunity to work to our advantage.  We talked about the kids and how they've grown so fast, school, summer time, and plans to have our own house by the time we reach 40.  

While all vehicles that surround us are on halt, our conversation brought us to talks about dream cars. I told him that I don't have a dream car, and that for as long as a car serves me well, it's all fine with me.

My hubby is like any other modern men. He is an ultimate car lover.  If cars are given for free, perhaps, he would have the whole nine yards of every kind.

But, seriously, if you ask him about his favorite and ideal car, he would definitely answer: "a pick-up truck, the likes of Ford F-150". And when you would ask him why for such a choice, he would give you a convincingly concise answer with an acronym of 3Ms that stand for: Manly, Manageable, and Maintenance-low. And, such answer would definitely not go without any further explanation. 

As the traffic begins to sluggishly move, he still continued our discussion, saying that cars are like kids, and that one should take time to care and keep them in good shape. Like kids who need their monthly doctor's visit, cars, according to him, should be periodically taken to an auto shop to ensure that they are always in top shape.

"Do not wait for the car to bog down before going to an auto shop for repair," he says.  "Caring for one's car this way means low maintenance in the long run. And if you are looking for a car shop to mind for your car in California, the San Diego auto repair is highly regarded."

Our "car topic" paused for a while because of an accident we passed by. So, that explains the traffic congestion, I uttered. 

You know, my hubby continues, caring for your car also means keeping away from accidents. The chances of encountering an accident is very slim when your car is well-taken cared of. Do not disregard any signs of trouble like the ones given by the check engine light (CEL) of your car. You see, the CEL is like a red flag; most often, it spells danger if not promptly address to.

Our car care conversation, rather, my hubby's car care lecture, suddenly stopped, upon realizing that we were already in front of my office and it was time to jump out.  Enough for now, I told him, I'm sure this discussion will resume when we sit together again in the middle of a traffic congestion. I smiled at him and put a smack on his cheeks, before finally entering the building.

-- Ireen --

Dealing with Lice and Nits

What could be more irritating than the lice and nits on your kids' head? If this has not yet happened to your child, chances are, he or she won't get exempt, because these parasites know no gender, age or status. It infests anyone.

In some places, this a big deal among parents. A child can be subjected to ridicule, or much more, left alone by his classmates and playmates if he is found out to be with nits and lice. School administrators would usually advise parents whose kid has the infestation to clean up the child first before sending he or she  back to school.

I guess everyone had her own personal encounters with nits and lice. Hence, it would not be difficult to tell whether or not your own son or daughter has these. And what's the biggest sign? Of course, head scratching.

This is always a trouble for me, because every time my househelp goes home to the province, she gets back already infested. And who gets to suffer? My family, especially, my kids.  So, we now normally ask and check our househelp if she has lice. And if she has, we let her use lice-killing shampoo, or worse, ask her to cut her hair, if she happens to have a very long mane.

The life stages of head lice can be divided into three. It starts as nits or lice eggs that hatch after seven days before they turn into nymphs. Nymphs are the most itchy and very difficult to find that even a fine-comb cannot sometimes prove its purpose. They grow into adult lice in about another week.

Head lice survive on human blood. Its life span is about 30 days. If a louse (singular form of lice) falls out of the head, it will surely die in about two days, without its blood-food.

This infection can be treated by over-the-counter medicines usually in the form of creams or shampoo. But the most effective counter measure, however, is more on prevention.

Because kids are the usual victims of these parasites, we should teach our children some hygienic tips, like the non-sharing of combs, hats, scarves, and other personal belongings such as hair clips, pony tails or head bands. Also, treat members of your family having lice or nits as soon as possible before the infestation spreads to every one in the house.

At the first sign of nits on my kids, I manually pick on these irksome "grits" immediately and wash their hair using a head lice shampoo. Years ago, Quell was the only lice shampoo that I knew of. I am thankful that there are other choices available in the market now. For this kind of problem, my family uses Licealiz.

A product of Lamoiyan Corporation, Licealiz is definitely Philippine-made. The shampoo boasts of its conditioning formula that leaves hair soft, and a soothing coolness on the scalp. It is also non-toxic, hence, parents should not be bothered if frequently used, although it is recommended to apply the same twice weekly.

With this kind of product, gone are the hard days and hassle treatment just to get rid of those crawling irritants from our kid's head. 

Charice Valentive TV-Concert in Manila

For the first time on national television, international singer Charice Pempengco will sing to her fellow countrymen in a special concert entitled, "Charice, Home for Valentine."

The tv-concert will be aired on February 13, 2011 at 8:30 in the evening on GMA Network.

The musical special is plotted like an international concert that will showcase other Filipino artists like Ogie Alcasid and his better-half, Asia's songbird, Regine Velasquez.

Of course, included in her songlist is her hitmaker, Pyramid. The concert in GMA was originally scheduled in December last year but due to stomach flu Charice was unable to push it through. 

Charice is indeed home for Valentine, and she will be celebrating it with her family.

-- Ireen --

Hong Kong Disneyland Celebrates 5th Year

Join your favorite fairy, Tinker Bell, as Hong Kong Disneyland celebrates its fifth anniversary with the theme, 'Celebration in the Air'.

Special attractions are lined up for everyone to ensure total fun and excitement: "Tinker Bell Meet & Greet",  "Flights of Fantasy Parade", and Tinker Bell Castle.  

In "Tinker Bell Meet & Greet", you will get to personally meet your littlest fairy in her new garden at Fantasyland.

This is also a chance for you to see for the first time Sleeping Beauty's castle turned into a Tinker Bell Castle, magically pixie-dusted. This is a limited attraction as this happens only this year.

Lastly, watch Mickey Mouse in his magical airship in "Flights of Fantasy Parade" while he leads the flying parade of many of your favorite Disney characters.

Get your tickets or book now at Hong Kong Disneyland, and also discover its "Be our VIP" at Star Guest Program. Be there, or be square!

American Idol in Austin and City of Angels

Ending this week, American Idol barged in Austin, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, for Hollywood hunting.  There were bad and good finds; some were crazy and funny. But, what I'd focus now is only the good finds, particularly, power duos.

With the Hollywood auditions coming up, I observe a kind of trend that AI is getting into, unknowingly. What am I talking about?

First, there were Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks. Remember, the ex-boyfriend-girlfriend tandem? After a week, AI found again another interesting and talented partners: Jacqueline Dunfold and Nick Fink, who auditioned in Austin, Texas, and the Gutierrezes -- Mark and Aaron, in Los Angeles.

Unlike Rob and Chelsee, Jacqueline and Nick are very much together. Surely, the AI producers purposely made their introduction during the airtime as bordering on funny and contemptuous, as they make a slow-motion-very-much-in-love-run against the "hills-are-alive-with-the-sound-of-music" backdrop.

Looking at them on the boob tube, it's like seeing Hansel and Gretel in the set of The Sound of Music. But, mind you, they can sing really ... good, worthy enough for that H-wood golden ticket. 

Our next twosome are brothers Mark and Aaron Gutierrez. Definitely, there's no sibling rivalry here, because these two harmonize very well.  As brothers, they are depicted as unlike poles, but attract tremendously in the area of singing.  With their rendition of "Lean on Me", brushed-up with the perfect blending, the judges were humbly blown off, enough to give the brothers the aimed pass to Hollywood.

Last stop for AI is going to be in San Francisco, before the ultimate Hollywood screening. Perhaps, AI will be able to find more remarkable duos in the city of St. Francis to match with the other "power of twos" who were able to get in for the next round.

--- Ireen ---

Is Fortune Cookie, Chinese?

I went inside Cebu La Fortuna Bakery the other day for some snacks. The bakeshop was exceptionally busy.

"Not the usual days," I noticed.

Cartons of goodies are lining up on the floor, while a saleslady was trying to do her inventory. At the counter, there was a long line, all seem to carry a red box. I got near and looked at what's the "fuss buy" about. Ah, it was Chinese "tikoy", also known as Nian Gao or Chinese New Year cake made from glutinous rice. 

"Now, I get it," I said to myself. 

It's almost Chinese New Year, and those who will celebrate the event are hurrying up for that special cake, Tikoy or Nian Gao, which means higher year. 

I also liked to grab a box of it but, I'm not a fan nor fond of tikoy. Maybe, because I'm not Chinese(?). So, I went around, and found what I fancied: Fortune Cookies(!).

"This is perfect!", I told myself. My kids love to break those cookies and read the slips of paper inside.

At home, I researched about fortune cookies and other Chinese food, planning to write something about them.

And, just when I thought that these cookies are among the food specials prepared during Chinese New Year, I was definitely wrong. As I further my research, I found out that there is nothing Chinese about it at all.

A delightful combination of flour, eggs, sugar, vanilla, and oil, the Fortune Cookie as it is called is a crisp goodie with a piece of paper hidden inside. On the paper, words of wisdom, vague predictions, or lucky numbers are written that seemingly pertain to the person who opened and ate the cookie. This paper is actually the "fortune" in the Fortune Cookie that the holder either gets rid or take heed.

In other countries, the United States, in particular, Chinese restaurants often serve Fortune Cookies as desserts to their customers. But, don't you know that this cookie is not from China? So, where did it come from?

Although unclear, common historical accounts point the origin of this infamous cookie from Japan, as the first recipe used was a remake of a Japanese cracker.

In Kyoto, Japan, there is a cookie that looks the same as the present-day Fortune Cookie, although bigger, a bit darker, and uses sesame and miso. That cookie is called Tsujiura Senbei. From its edge, protrudes a slip of paper containing written wishes or fortune, just like our modern Fortune Cookie.

In summary, I may say that Fortune Cookies are born in Japan, adopted by China, and loved by the Americans.

--- Ireen ---

May Prosperity Be With You!

When most of us have celebrated the birth of 2011 a month ago, our Chinese brothers are just about to start their Chinese New Year at exactly 10:31 a.m. on February 3, according to Feng Shui experts.

Too bad, i'ts not going to be a non-working holiday. That means most of us are going to work like usual. Pres. P-Noy was reportedly inclined to declare it as a no-working day had the request came earlier. (Sob)

2011 as the Year of the Metal Rabbit is seen to be a good year. Here's why:

The Metal Rabbit is made of not just any other metal, it is actually a Golden Rabbit. Since it is made of gold, money is less of a problem because it can be sourced out easily.

The industry relating to arts and entertainment is predicted to flourish because of the rabbit's refined character and excellent taste.

The Metal Rabbit is a symbol of kindness and good behavior. It is also a listener and a lover of beauty. Because of its metal component, the rabbit is described as strong, focused, intelligent, and goal-oriented.

2011 is a peaceful and serene year. Chaos and misunderstandings will be resolved easily, in tranquility, sound discretion, and diplomacy.

Depending on what year you were born, 2011 can either be calm, bright or happy.

It's a calm and financially-rewarding year for Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer, hence, it is good for finances and investments.

There's a bright perspective in terms of finances also for Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, and Capricorn, as well as in any chosen endeavor or concerns.

The Aquarius and the Pisces, on the other hand, are expected to harmonize love and business together.

That's it! Kung Hei Fat Choi, everyone!

--- Ireen ---